On March 30, 2025, at the National Convention
Center (located in Hanoi), the Vietnam -Cambodia Friendship Association
solemnly held a ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its establishment
(January 22, 1975 - January 22, 2025) and received the First Class Labor Order.
Attending the ceremony were members
of Central Committee of the Communist
Party of Vietnam: Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh
Son; Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly, Chairwoman of the Vietnam - Cambodia
Friendship Association Nguyen Thi Thanh. Also present were leaders and former
leaders of the Party, State, ministries, departments, sectors, mass
organizations, and the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Group of lawmakers. From
Cambodia, there was Mr. Vann Phal, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Cambodia,
Vice Chairman of the Cambodia - Vietnam Friendship Association, and other
members.
Delegates
posing for a commemorative photo at the anniversary ceremony.
Honored to receive the First Class Labor Order
In recognition of the achievements of the Association in the cause of building
and defending the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and contributing to
strengthening and developing the friendship relations between Vietnam and
Cambodia, the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam has decided to
award the First Class Labor Order to the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship
Association.
At the ceremony, on behalf of the Party and State leadership, Deputy Prime
Minister Bui Thanh Son respectfully attached the order to the traditional flag
of the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association.
On behalf
of the President, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh
Son awarded the First Class Labor Order to the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship
Association.
Reflecting
on the formation and development process of the Association, President of the
Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association Nguyen Thi Thanh shared that the
Association was established on January 22, 1975, at a time when the struggle
for national liberation of the people of both countries entered a decisive
phase towards complete victory. This is a major policy, an initiative that
demonstrates the strategic vision of the Party and State of Vietnam to
strengthen and promote the traditional neighborly relationship, contributing to
building a long-lasting and solid foundation for cooperation between the two
countries and their peoples. Looking back at the 50 - year journey of growth
and development, the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association has achieved
significant and commendable accomplishments. Recognizing and appreciating the
contributions of various levels of the Association over the past 50 years, the
Party, State of Vietnam, and the King and Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia
have awarded many noble prizes to the Association.
Speaking at
the anniversary ceremony, Vice President of the Cambodia - Vietnam Friendship
Association Vann Phal expressed deep gratitude and remembrance of the noble
sacrifices of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who, together with the
Cambodian army and people, overthrew the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime; thanked
the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association for always supporting the
Cambodia - Vietnam Friendship Association and assisting the Cambodian people
through various humanitarian support activities. Comrade Vann Phal hopes that
the activities of the friendship associations of the two countries will
significantly contribute to strengthening the friendly, united, and cooperative
relationship between the people of Cambodia and Vietnam, making it increasingly
solid and lasting.
Since its
establishment, the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association has closely
followed the guidelines and policies of the Party and the State, regularly
innovated the content, forms, and methods of activities to align with the
association's objectives and the historical phases of the country and Vietnam -
Cambodia relations. In particular, the association has always prioritized
information and propaganda work, considering it a top priority, to help the
people of both countries and international friends understand Vietnam's spirit
of peace and friendship, correctly perceive the significance and value of the
victory on January 7, 1979, a historical milestone in Vietnam - Cambodia relations,
refuting distorted narratives, and protecting the just image of Vietnam in
assisting Cambodia.
Throughout the 1980s until the early 2000s, the association's activities
focused on strengthening neighborly relations through cultural, educational,
and economic cooperation programs; promoting friendly exchanges among the
people and development cooperation; actively organizing meetings, cultural
exchanges, seminars, and discussions to enhance understanding and the bond
between the people of the two countries.
Nurturing the friendship among the
people of the two countries
In 2012, on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of
diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cambodia, the Association initiated
the "Nurturing Friendship" program, connecting the affectionate bond
between generations of former experts and former volunteer soldiers from
Vietnam with many groups of Cambodian students studying in Vietnam through the
sponsorship of students studying in Vietnam, sharing stories about the
traditional solidarity and friendship between the two peoples, visiting
historical sites, and socio - economic establishments. Through this, it contributes
to inspiring and educating the awareness of maintaining the strong relationship
between Vietnam and Cambodia for future generations.
According to the Association's report, the program started by the way that 12
families sponsored 34 Cambodian students in Hanoi and Thai Binh. So far, the
program has expanded nationwide, supporting more than 500 students.
Chairwoman
of the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association Nguyen Thi Thanh receiving the
President of the Cambodia - Vietnam Friendship Association Men Sam An at the
Hoa Lu border gate (Binh Phuoc) in the framework of the 5th Vietnam - Cambodia
People’s Friendship and Cooperation Meeting in November 2022. (Photo: Vietnam
Times)The Association also actively collaborates with schools training
Cambodian students and businesses to create the most favorable learning
conditions for students. The Association regularly organizes Vietnam - Cambodia
student exchange programs and meetings between former experts, former
Vietnamese volunteer soldiers, and Cambodian students. It publishes books and
materials to preserve history and convey messages of friendship to future
generations. These programs have helped Cambodian students have a solid foundation
when entering the workforce and many opportunities for development. At the same
time, they have gained a better understanding of the historical relations
between the two countries, contributing to a solid foundation for Vietnam - Cambodia
relations in the future.
Along with
activities that connect the youth, the Association also plays an important role
in connecting businesses of the two countries. The Vietnam - Cambodia Business
Club (established in 2008) is a focal point for supporting businesses to access
the Cambodian market, providing advice on culture, business environment, tax
procedures, customs, legal issues, translation, and more. The Association has
organized many business delegations to Cambodia to understand the market and work
with relevant authorities to grasp investment policies, supporting Vietnamese
businesses in accessing the Cambodian market.
Delegates
visiting the exhibition at the anniversary celebration
Since 2015, the Association has established a Khmer language center in Ho Chi
Minh City, attracting more than 200 students. The center also organizes
Vietnamese language classes for Cambodians, contributing to the promotion of
language and cultural exchange between the two countries. With its outstanding
contributions, the Association has received the Flag of Emulation from the
Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations and the Certificate of Merit from the
Central Foreign Affairs Commission for many consecutive years. In 2020, the
Association was honored to be awarded the Second Class Labor Order by the
President of the State.